MEXICO
Guillermo Ochoa: “the young players have to come in and win my place”
The Mexican goalkeeper was direct and honest when talking about the generational change of the squad.
At the ripe age of 40-years-old, Guillermo Ochoa is looking ahead to what would be his 6th World Cup in 2026, and that foresight has caused something of a situation in Mexico. A percentage of the fanbase are calling for a generational change to occur and a goalkeeper switch to happen, as they wish to see a new leaf turned over regarding the old heads in the squad.
However, from the point of view of ‘Memo’, such a drastic change must happen naturally and with every decision based on the performances of the players. “The kids have to come knocking on the door, as happened with myself”, he said, “they have to come here and win my place from me.”
Ochoa reminds the youngsters the National Team is no joke
He continued: “while I feel good and the coaches trust me and feel as though I can bring something to the side, I’m going to carry on helping out with my performances.”
Ochoa also reminded those listening of the philosophy that runs through the Mexican squad, and that everything depends on the level of a player’s performance and not their name or age. “This is a National Team, not a u20 or u23... As long as you can find players here of a good level, performing well, of course the doors are always open”, he said.
When do Mexico play against Costa Rica in the Gold Cup?
Mexico, who got through the group despite a shock loss to Qatar in which fan violence spoiled the game, play Costa Rica at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday 8 July 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT. Both teams will battle for a place in the semi-finals. In the case that they overcome their rivals, they will play either the USMNT or Canada.